Arp Magazine Nov 08

Contents

November 2008

FEATURES 3 Moderator’s Corner – “Gospel Verbs” God’s written Word provides all of the truth and wisdom needed for navigating life’s twists and turns. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us through and to enable our understanding of everything in Scripture. —Gordon Query

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SYNOD EMPHASIS–The Indispensable Word: Darwinism Reversed

It is faith, based on the trustworthiness of God (who makes promises and keeps them) that enables men to go where science cannot. —Dr. James A. Hunt

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Trusting God in uncertain times

The current financial crisis is one of many opportunities Christians have to point the world to Christ. In times of uncertainty, we must not show the same fear, worry and anxiety that the world experiences. Instead, we must display the generosity, confidence and love for wisdom that come from a life lived before the face of God. —Rev. Paul D. Mulner

Insight on the Adult Quarterly

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Growing into one body–insight into the first lesson of the month in Christian Education Ministries’ Adult Quarterly. —Dr. William B. Evans

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The Psalms, written to mold and admonish

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The Psalms are specifically targeted at our hearts, to change them, and to change us through them. The Psalms are meant to give us new emotions, righteous emotions. —Rev. David E. Vance

ARPWM 2009 Prayer Emphasis Program The privilege and responsibility of prayer

Women’s Ministries lays out three days of praise, prayer and testimonies for your church to follow for the annual Prayer Emphasis Program. Personal testimonies from Rita Beamguard and Robin Rowell reveal how prayer has affected their lives.

AGENCIES 14 15 16 17 18 21

News in Brief Prayer Calendar All in Our Family

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ARP

ISSN 0362—0816

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN VOL. XXXIII NO. 11 Delores P. McDonald, Editor Susan Lever, Assistant Editor Advertising rates on request; ask for current rate card. Advertising competitive with any agency or institution of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is not accepted. Publication of advertisements does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by this magazine.

BOARD OF THE ASSSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Walter M. Payne Jr. (2011), Chairman; Dr. Oran Smith (2013), Vice Chairman; Rev. John Rogers (2011), Secretary; Linda Hardin (2009); Dr. Peggy Gray (2010); Rev. Charles Y. Todd (2011); Rev. Max Bolin (2009); Harold Robertson (2013); Martha Waldrop (ARP Women’s Ministries representative).

POSTMASTER: Send address correction notices to The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland St., Ste. 110, Greenville, SC 29601-3696.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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New ministers and new ARP Center staff, seen here in front of Greenville ARP Church in Greenville, SC, met Sept. 30 for a day of presentations by directors of the agencies of General Synod.

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian (Publication No. USPS 414770) is published monthly by the Board of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, One Cleveland St., Ste. 110, Greenville, S.C. 29601-3696. Telephone (864) 232-8297, Ext. 236. Subscription rates: $20 one year, $38 two years, $54 three years. For churches in the Church Club Plan: $16.50 a year (90% participation) or $17.50 a year (75% participation). Periodicals Postage paid at Greenville, S.C. 29601, and additional mailing offices.

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THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

MODERATOR’S CORNER

Gospel verbs GORDON QUERY Moderator

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hink of the following words as snapshots of significant moments in Jesus’ life. Wrapped Visited Worshiped Moved Circumcised Baptized Tempted Tested Rejected Anointed Supported Questioned Betrayed Kissed Seized Bound Arrested Denied Led away Tried Wept over Scourged Stripped Dressed Crowned Mocked Beat upon Spit upon Crucified Abused Insulted Died Wrapped Buried Guarded

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The previous list of verbs is taken from the four Gospels and shares a common thread. Presented chronologically, these Gospel verbs depict only those actions initiated by others toward Jesus throughout His earthly lifespan. So much of who we are is shaped by a series of significant events occurring over our lifetime. Often we have no say in our lives as influences – both positive and negative by nature – are thrust upon us. At other times we expect these events to take place but are unsure when they will occur. Only the Christian, however, can honestly recognize God’s hand peculiarly, strategically directing these events. Even so, the severity of impact in each case will determine the difficulty of acknowledging God’s goodness and sovereignty over it. Gospel verbs are intended to penetrate our minds, to mark our souls, with pictures of how the Master responded to life’s events during His 33 years on Earth. Further, they are intended to direct and encourage our ways of reacting when facing any manner of circumstances, especially the surprises of life. Whether it is a positive or a negative event, it is easy to offer advice concerning one’s response when the shoe is on someone else’s foot. However, when surprised by suffering personally or caught off guard by upsetting news of a family member or close friend, what is your posture? How prepared are you to deal with life’s sudden changes? Perhaps the more searching question is: do you know how to prepare?

God never intended for us to deal with the ups and downs of life on our own. Unfortunately, we act too often as if we are on our own. When we become unglued, even distraught, over a significant turn of events and see no hope of recovering from it, we are operating on our own. God’s written Word provides all of the truth and wisdom needed for navigating life’s twists and turns; therefore, we are able to know better. Furthermore, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us through and to enable our understanding of everything in Scripture. Let’s say you are traveling by air and suddenly go down, crashing into an uninhabited landmass without water or vegetation for hundreds of miles. You are the lone survivor without any resources. Suddenly, as you are facing starvation on the third day, a helicopter medic spots you and safely lands. You are brought on board and offered food and drink, but you refuse it! “Preposterous!” you respond – and you are correct. But let’s take this a step further: What truly is preposterous is to die of starvation from not knowing the answers to the sudden predicaments of life, when all the while the answers lay on your nearby table in a book called the Bible! What is it that prevents you from picking it up and reading it today? God’s Word is His lifeline for you and an anchor for your soul in the storms of life. We can be better prepared for the major events of life that affect every one of us. Take time every day of the week to read your Bible.G 3

dIspensa n I bl e h T

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word By Dr. James A. Hunt John 1:1-14 ince Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species was published in 1859, men and science have devoted considerable time to investigation, observation, and postulation. It would be unfair, indeed, to dismiss this effort as fruitless. Remarkable discoveries have come to light as a result of genetics and chemistry and the effort to prove or disprove Darwin’s theses. At this time, the conclusive proof of evolution is still lacking. In this article, my assignment is not to argue to disprove Darwin’s evolutionary postulations. The scientists are doing that very well. Rather, I would address those who will consider that debate in the light of the Bible’s assertions. Science and the Bible are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The wisdom writer, Solomon, wrote, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings” (Proverbs 25:2). Solomon knew the relationship between God’s creation and science. Furthermore, Solomon knew the relationship between science and those who study it. He goes on to say in Proverbs 25:3, “As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.” Whether scientist or minister, doctor or banker, craftsman or laborer, it is undeniable that our hearts are inclined to wickedness and unbelief. The influence of the Holy Spirit, with the Word, is indispensible to anyone who would understand the Bible and science. As Darwin’s observations have been reviewed and as archeology and astronomy have added new information, conclusions have been made

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Darwinism reversed which take Darwin beyond the natural bounds of the scientific method. Some scientists want to force the process backwards to origins and thus exclude a sovereign God who has intelligently created what exists. The principle assumed, which takes science to this area of origins, is “uniformitarianism,” which teaches, “...given sufficient time, processes now at work could account for all the geologic features of the globe” (Henry M. Morris, Scientific Creationism, Master Books, 1985, p. 92). Thus, operations we observe now have always been in operation. Therefore, no supernatural creation by command can be admitted. God’s Power Revealed In the Bible, God has revealed Himself to man as creator and maintainer of the world. Throughout the Bible God both claims to have created and demonstrates that He can enter natural processes in a supernatural way. As of now, science has not given credible explanation for the origin of things which science observes and describes. John 1:1-5 is a sweeping statement of God’s creative power. The creation is a dynamic work of the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each and all, were involved in the creation and in the illumination of darkness – both physically and morally. So the Scripture affirms. John’s statement is a fact that no man can measure or disprove. We see the results of creation having taken place. We study it and learn of the marvelous complexity and consistency. Still, some scientists insist that there can be no “intelligent” design. Without question, the theory of Darwinian evolution has gained pop-

ularity and acceptance throughout academic and institutional science in our day. However, that is not to say that all science and scientists agree. Indeed, as in Darwin’s own day, there seems to be another factor at work, of which Solomon spoke, and that is the willfulness of men’s hearts to reject God. The writer to the Hebrews reflected the heart element in this Darwinian debate. He said, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3). It is faith, based on the trustworthiness of God, who makes promises and keeps them, that enables men to go where science cannot. But man’s problem is that he will not acknowledge God as he has revealed Himself in nature and trusting his own thoughts, his heart is darkened (Romans 1:18-22). While the Word of God does not tell us everything we desire to know, it does tell us truly what we need to know (Deuteronomy 29:29). What we desire to know becomes the calling of men to “search out” what God has made. And what God has revealed in His Word is “…full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). So, John ties together the creation power, the incarnation power and the resurrection power. “In the beginning was the Word… All things were made through Him… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1-14). To reject any one of these expressions of God’s power is an assault on them all. A friend of mine said that what one does with Genesis 1-3 is an indicator of that person’s orthodoxy. When he

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

said that I thought it was a bit “over the top.” However, as I follow this debate and the debate concerning the inerrancy of Scripture, I am evermore inclined to agree. God, who has the power to become incarnate man by a virgin birth, is the God whose power is sufficient to do what He has claimed. God who created the world out of nothing is able to restore life to the dead. God who became man and who is creator of the world is able, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to give life and understanding to rebellious men. The God who created is the God who has converted many, including scientists, to know this power. This God who enables science is the God of Sanctification, calling men to faith and to moral holiness beyond the urges of “animal” man. By Faith Recently, while studying the Feeding of the Multitude in Luke 9, I began meditating on the faith of Abraham as noted by Paul in Romans 4. There we are told that all of God’s promises of justification, holiness and sanctification are summarized in Abraham’s faith. Abraham “…believed - the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17). Old, and without a child, Abraham, Paul says, “…was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised”(Romans 4:20-21). After feeding the multitude, Jesus asked His disciples “who do men say that I am?” Then, “who do you say that I am?” God cares what people think about Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that Christ fed 5,000, and more, with only five loaves and two fish, a miracle which was very well attested. Is it so much of a stretch that this God could also bring life to a dead body, give a child to an old man and his barren wife, and “create all things by the word of His power?” The Word of God is indispensible for understanding life, salvation, and the conclusions of science. Charles Darwin seemed to understand the NOVEMBER 2008

implications of his postulates about origins. And, he, who once had respect for the Bible, turned against it, losing his way in life and, apparently, for eternity. Despite Charles Darwin’s early teaching, it was his beginning doubt about Genesis 1-3 that led him to read Charles Lyall’s Principles of Geology. This book ridiculed belief in recent creation in favor of an old earth, and denied that Noah’s flood was worldwide; this, of course, was also a denial of divine judgment. Divine Judgment Most conspicuous in Darwin’s testimony is the recurring theme of a divine judgment. He said, “I can hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so, the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my Father, Brother, and almost all my best friends, will be everlastingly punished. And this is a damnable doctrine” (James Moore, The Darwin Legend, Baker, 1994, p. 10, and 318). Darwin’s “faith,” like many since him, is that there is no judgment. It is regrettable that Charles Darwin did not learn of the grace of God in the saving work of Jesus Christ, and of the joy of forgiveness in the Christian life. Most folks, when converted to faith, move from darkness to new life by the light of the Bible.

Darwin reversed the movement, slipping from the light of the Gospel, although not saving light, to an everincreasing darkness of despair. At the end of his life, we are told that he was virtually without hope (John M. Brentnall and Russell M. Grigg, Creation Ministries International, www. christiananswers.net). Charles Darwin has influenced the world in very profound ways. However, the Gospel of the crucified and risen Christ is far more profound and determinative in the world. Scientists will continue to “search out” the hidden things of God. As this evolution debate continues, we may be sure that Darwinism is reversed every time the Holy Spirit stirs the heart of a sinner to believe what is written in the Word.G Dr. Hunt is the pastor of Coddle Creek ARP Church, Mooresville, NC. He and wife Catherine have three grown children.

*Resources: Christiananswers.net; AnswersInGenesis.org; Institute for Creation Research, San Diego, CA. 5

Trusting God in Uncertain Times

By Paul D. Mulner evere market drops, financial crises, and emergency bailouts will dominate the news and many water-cooler conversations today. The panic has spread from “Wall Street to Main Street” – to use the political catch phrase. Whether or not we believe the media’s presentation of the severity of the current financial distress, there is no doubt that millions of people are filled with fear about what will happen to their banks, mortgages, and retirement accounts. Scripture does not demonize wealth, or the wealthy, the way many do today. Financial blessings are from God, are to be received with thankfulness toward Him. These blessings are intended to foster generosity. God promises to meet the physical needs of His people, just as He continually clothes the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30). Yet Scripture never once commands us to pursue wealth. It never instructs us to be concerned with or consumed by how much we will or will not have in the future. Instead, Scripture offers far more helpful and comforting instruction for believers, especially during these uncertain financial times.

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Seek Wisdom, Not Gold How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver (Proverbs 16: 16). How reassuring this measure of a 6

successful life is! Solomon does not suggest that gold and silver have no value, but he does put them in their appropriate place: beneath wisdom. Proverbs begins with Solomon’s instruction: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (1:7). The Christian can live a joyful, productive life without the benefit of wealth. Even the richest on earth will not have joy and security for long if they lack godly wisdom. News reports show traders panicking on Wall Street, frantically shouting loudly, trying to avoid losing all the wealth they’ve worked for. They appear to be filled with fear about the future, uncertain of what to do or who to trust.

Solomon says, Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice…How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you (1:20-23). This is the solution to financial peace: heeding the reproof of God and seeking the knowledge He provides. If we fail to listen to God’s call and seek gold rather than wisdom and silver instead of understanding, wisdom will be far less generous to us: Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you…when distress and anguish come upon you (1:24-27). This disastrous result should easily be avoided by believers. We should never seek wealth over wisdom. When we ask God to give to us, we should be asking for wisdom rather than abundance in our retirement portfolio. Christ’s Plan for Financial Peace Humans are unable to abandon their quest for wealth without supernatural intervention. In our fallen state, we are filled with worry about what we have and don’t have. We are anxious about finding out how to get CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

I Quarterly nsight on the

Adult

The following is a synopsis of the first lesson for November in the Adult Quarterly Sunday school curriculum produced by Christian Education Ministries of the ARP Church.

By Dr. William B. Evans

EDITOR, ADULT QUARTERLY

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 n this lesson Paul deals with the spiritual means whereby the unity of the church is established and deepened. In our contemporary church context, characterized as it is more by disunity rather than unity, this is a message that is as timely today as it was in the first century.

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Unity of the Spirit (4:1-6) In these verses Paul pointedly reminds us that walking “worthy of the calling to which you have been called” involves such personal qualities as “humility and gentleness,” “patience,” and “bearing with one another in love.” These are the very qualities that further unity in the church. Indeed, this unity must be the conscious goal of all Christians. We must be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (verse 3). This last statement about the “unity of the Spirit” reminds us that the unity that should characterize the church is not mere sentimental emotion. It is a work of God’s Holy Spirit, and a primary goal of the Spirit’s work is peace (see Romans 8:6; 14:17; 15:13; Galatians 5:22). In keeping with this, Paul now elaborates on this spiritual foundation of the church’s unity. These verses are framed in Trinitarian fashion, speaking of the Spirit as “one body and one Spirit.” Then referring to Christ, the incarnate Son of God, as “one Lord [i.e., Jesus Christ], one faith, one bapNOVEMBER 2008

Growing into one body tism.” And finally, God the Father is “one God and Father of all.” Here we must notice the recurring word “one” in these verses. By framing our understanding of the church and its unity within the Trinitarian context, we are reminded of how the unity of the Church has its foundation in the tri-unity of God himself as Father, Son, and Spirit. Unity of the Faith (4:7-13) Paul now speaks of the gifts that Christ himself pours out upon the church through the Spirit. But how did Christ come to be the source of the grace that “was given to each one of us?” In verse 9 Paul elaborates on this theme in an interesting way by quoting Psalm 68:18. The eternal Son of God first of all descended to “the lower parts of the earth.” And furthermore, the one who descended has won a mighty victory. Commentators differ as to what this verse may mean. Some take it to refer to a descent into hell where he released the souls from captivity. Others, less imaginatively, understand this to refer to Christ’s incarnation as He came to this Earth and to His victory over the forces of evil. Clearly there is mysterious language here, but Paul’s fundamental point is clear: Christ won a mighty victory. Evil has been overcome. Moreover, the victorious one who fills the whole universe can also fill us with His grace and unite the Church. Not only has Christ won a mighty victory, but He is constantly bestowing gifts upon His people. We read in verse 11 that He has provided the church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Each of these New Testament offices was important for equipping God’s people

and for “building up the body of Christ” at that crucial time. Finally, in verse 13, Paul reminds us that the unity of the church involves unity of belief and doctrine. An important goal here is that “we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” This is a vital point today, for we live in a time when doctrine is often viewed with indifference. While true Christian unity involves more than unity in right doctrine, it never involves less! No Longer Children (4:14-16) Continuing his emphasis on teaching and doctrine from the previous verses, Paul now describes the mature Christian life. We must move beyond spiritual infancy. To be a spiritual infant is like being tossed back and forth by the waves of the sea and like being blown this way and that by fierce winds. Here Paul notes that such people lack spiritual discernment and are ripe for deceit by those who cunningly prey on the church. Positively, the mature Christian is one who speaks “the truth in love.” It is difficult to bring these two elements—truth and love—together. Some are so concerned for the truth that they beat their fellow Christians over the head with it. Others are so intent on loving others that the truth of God’s Word gets short-changed. Mature Christians keep the two in balance. As discerning believers, they know what the truth is and as loving believers, they handle that truth responsibly.G Dr. Evans is Younts Professor of Bible and Religion at Erskine College, Due West, S.C. He also serves as chairman of the Department of Bible, Religion and Philosophy at the college. 7

Teaching, admonishing one another in Psalms Erskine Theological Seminary Upcoming Conferences

The Architectural Setting Of Christian Worship Exploring the Intersection of Architecture, Theology, and Worship with Dr. David Gobel

Savannah College of Art and Design

By Rev. David E. Vance Dr. Hughes Oliphant Old Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary fter a serious accident, my fathink the words of the song should struct us. Dr. Terry Johnson ther lived the last five years of Presbyterian change. Maybe you once read a biography Independent Church Often the editors of hymnals Dr. Markdo E. Ross his life with a severe head injuchange the words. But something and said, “I want to be a Christian Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary ry. And even after he had trouble reclike that. I see how so-and-so had a different happens when we sing the ognizing his own children, I could say Psalms. It is not the words which heart for God, and I want to imitate Independent Presbyterian Church to him, “Show me thy ways, O Savannah, Lord, have to change. We have to change. that.” These men were inspired by Georgia thy paths O teach thou me.” And he God’s Spirit for this very purpose, The words need to change us. February 5 - 7, 2009 would say, “And do thou lead me in In the Psalms, God took the greatto teach us how we can also be men thy truth, therein and women afmy teacher be…. ter God’s own My sins and faults heart. of youth, do thou, Some scholO Lord, forget. ars spend a great “The State of Congregational Psalm Singing After thy mercy deal of time specafter Fifty Years of Worship Renewal” think on me and ulating about the with for thy goodness original situation John Witvliet, Director of the Institute of Worship at Calvin College great.” that caused the Hal Hopson, Nationally respected church music composer and clinician Terry Johnson, Independent Presbyterian Church That is Psalm author to write a Robert Glick, Erskine College and Theological Seminary 25 from the Scotparticular Psalm, Robby Bell, Erskine College and Theological Seminary tish Psalter. My but I think those Mark E. Ross, Institute of Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary father grew up in scholars have Erskine College and Seminary, Due West, SC Scotland singing missed the point. February 26 - 27, 2009 the Psalms. And The psalmists Information on speakers, sessions, and is available www.erskine.edu/seminary. For those songs stayed with him all his estitinerary saints of atall time and recorded left out many specifics for a good registration and other information on the Savannah conference contact Crystal Tolbert life, even when he could remem- ortheir inner For lifemore here as a onmold for our reason. They are writing songs for by emailnot at [email protected] (803) 771-6180. information the Psalms contact at [email protected] or (864) 379 -David 8885. ber much else. What conference we learn toShanon singJacksonChristian experience. was a all God’s people to sing at all times. has a remarkable power in our mind remarkable man of God. God said, “I The psalmists usually describe their and in our soul. Music, says Luther, have found David son of Jesse a man experiences in general terms because, after my own heart; he will do everyis “a fair and lovely gift from God … even though times and circumstances change, our emotions and our experinext to the word of God the mistress thing I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). and governess of the feelings of the It makes you think, “How did a man ences stay the same. Psalms are songs human heart.” like that pray? I wonder what his inof experience to guide our piety and Rhyme adds great strength to reaner spiritual life was like, that God devotion in every circumstance of son. Truth appears all the more beauwould say that about him.” life. tiful to us when it sings—or in Paul’s God does not want you to wonder. The Psalms are written to be eswords—when the word of Christ Just the opposite—God raised David pecially instructive to us in times of dwells in us richly. And so, not only up for this very purpose, as a model difficulty. The most common kind of at church, but in our day-to-day lives, of devotion. And He inspired David’s Psalm is called a lament, a kind of song we must always be teaching and adprayers and songs and most intimate which we need to learn to sing. There monishing one another in psalms (Coexpressions of communion with God is a general feeling in Evangelical pilossians 3:16). How can we do so? for us to use: “The Lord is my shepety that we should never be down: herd, I shall not be in want” (Psalm Christians should always be up and They Teach Us 23:1). God inspired Moses, a man chipper; and to have faith means not The Psalms are a mold for our Chriswhom the Lord knew face to face; to be sorrowful. tian experience. Solomon, the wisest of the men of The book of Psalms frees us from When you sing hymns, you someold; Asaph the seer; and many other that and teaches us to be honest with times feel a tension. Sometimes you eminent saints to write songs to inourselves. Christians are a crying peo-

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here are the salms?

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THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

ple who mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). And God does not want us to come before him and pretend everything is fine. Psalm 62 says, Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah. (Psalms 62:8). The Psalms teach us how to express our sadness sinlessly and honestly before God. And there is a refreshing honesty in the Psalms that hymnwriters shrink back from. They teach us likewise about going through the crisis of faith (Psalms 73). They lead us through anger (Psalm 4). In general, the Psalms guide our hearts and our prayers and our piety as we take these songs through the experiences of our lives. They Admonish Us The Psalms earnestly warn God’s people and the wicked. The Psalms have been losing popularity in many parts of the church. Erskine College & Seminary, together with Synod’s Worship Committee, will hold a conference in February to investigate the reasons why. Why are Psalms not sung? Or at best, why are only bits and phrases of them sung here and there? Perhaps one obvious reason is that they repeatedly, urgently admonish us. Nearly all the Psalms deal with the judgment of the wicked, beginning with very first, Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous (Psalm 1:5). The Psalms are not seeker-sensitive by modern standards. They are intentionally very, very plain-spoken in order to break hard hearts. And

we need to love these songs because we are commanded not only to teach but also to admonish one another with Psalms. A common problem when men write songs is not what they are saying. The problem is what they are not saying. Our hymns do not lack orthodoxy, but they are very selective. And we must beware Marcion’s approach to song, excluding anything which speaks of judgment. As one example, though many hymnals include Psalm 95, “Oh, come, let us worship and bow down…,” they usually include only the first half of the Psalm and stop in the middle of verse 7, “…for He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” Of course, as the book of Hebrews repeatedly reminds us, there is a very important turn in the Psalm we need to hear. The verse continues, “Today, if you will hear His voice: do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness….” We need this part of the Psalm too. We need the warm invitation to worship, and we need the bracing admonition not to be those “whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways. So I declared on oath in my anger, They shall never enter my rest.’” (Psalm 95:10-11). Our understanding of God is powerfully affected by the evil spirit of the age. And as David’s Psalms are sung, may the evil spirit depart for a time, as it did from Saul when they were sung to him. At every turn, the Psalms admonish God’s people against turning away from God and

admonish God’s enemies of the certainty of their future judgment. And we must likewise learn to “teach and admonish one another in psalms.” Conclusion The Psalms transform our hearts. Some books tell us primarily what to think and what to do. But the Psalms are different. They are specifically targeted at our hearts, to change them, and to change us through them. There is a great deal of theology in the Psalms. But it is all theology in context. It is not just “God is good,” but “my God is good,” or “my beloved God is good.” It is, “Praise the LORD for the LORD is good” (Psalm 135:3). Being a Christian is not just about what we believe and do. It is very much tied up with how we feel. And the Psalms are meant to give us new emotions, righteous emotions. Maybe you have never felt any real love for God, any need for God, any holy affection for God in Christ, but you want to. Is that you? The Psalms can change you, and warm your heart so that you can say with David, “I love the Lord, because” (Psalm 116:1). When the Psalms have pressed you into their mold, you can weep over a city. You can serve tirelessly. You can love sincerely. You can suffer patiently. You can rejoice with the truth. And you can turn the world upside down. It was said of those in our past, “Psalm-singing created a race of heroes.” May God make such heroes of us in our day through His songs.G Rev. Vance is pastor of Redeemer ARP Church in Blacksburg, VA. He is also chairman of Synod’s Worship Committee.

When the Psalms have pressed you into their mold, you can weep over a city. You can serve tirelessly. You can love sincerely. You can suffer patiently. You can rejoice with the truth. And you can turn the world upside down. It was said of those in our past, “Psalm-singing created a race of heroes.” May God make such heroes of us in our day through His songs. NOVEMBER 2008

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���� �� ����� Catawba Presbytery Women’s Ministries Retreat planned Mark your calendar now for this retreat on January 23-25 at Bonclarken Conference Center, Flat Rock, NC. Catawba WM will sponsor the retreat, featuring guest speaker Becky Moss. Her theme will be “The Crucified Life.” Details will be made available at a later date.

New Minister’s Orientation Front from left: Rev. Kim Yong-Dae, Mrs. Kim Yong-Dae, Tessa Taylor, Rev. David Park, Rev. Kyung Sae Lee, Rev. Seung N. Ji, Rev. Baek Vin Ito, Sung Doh Oh; back row, left: Bobby Anderson, Bob Anderson, Rev. Jarvis Ross, Rev. Rhett Carson, Rev. Garet Aldridge, Lee Bond, Susan Lever.

New Amity Homecoming From right, Jacob Stewart, Matthew Stewart and Jack Morrison watch and listen to the Word of God at the 161st Homecoming service at New Amity ARP Church, Scotts, NC. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name (Psalm 86:11 KJV). Photo by Carolyn H. Sherrill, historian

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter, ARP News Update, by sending your request to [email protected] 10

Celebrating 100 years Francis McCullough, left, the oldest member of the Peachtree Corners Church, Norcross, GA, celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 11 at a party given by the church. The church’s youngest member, Marie Carson, center, infant daughter of Associate Pastor Rhett Carson, right, joined the celebration. The party was also attended by approximately 100 church members, friends and family. Also attending were Bonclarken President Chip Sherer and Eleanor Richardson, director of development. In past years, McCullough served three terms on the Bonclarken Board in various capacities and was actively involved with Erskine College. THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

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Virginia WM Fall Meeting Women’s Ministries Administrator Elizabeth Burns, right front, was the guest speaker at the Virginia Women’s Ministries Annual Fall Meeting on Sept. 13 at Johnson Creek ARP Church, Covington, VA.

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Trusting God… CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

more. Matthew 6 addresses the heart issues of money in several significant ways. Christ teaches us how to weather the financial storms of life in a way that should shock and astound unbelievers. The current financial situation provides a golden opportunity for Christians to have a positive influence on the culture. Yet we will miss out on this opportunity if we respond to the current uncertainties in our own way, rather than Christ’s. Our own instincts of worry and fear are no different than the response of unbelievers to these uncertain times. Christ addresses three principles of financial peace in Matthew 6: Generosity - Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:2-4). Part of experiencing financial peace involves being able to part with your money. God commands us to be generous toward those around us. This is part of the reason why God blesses His people financially – to be generous and to help those in need. God does not provide us with money to display our greediness to the world. He blesses us so that we can bless others. Charitable giving will certainly decrease in the next few months, and maybe years, as people live in fear caused by uncertain markets. Wouldn’t it be tragic if Christians decreased their giving as well? This is a tremendous opportunity to show the confidence we have in God’s provision for us by continuing to be generous, even when “times are tough.” Laying up Treasures in Heaven – Christians are called to be good fi12

nancial stewards and this includes good planning and preparations for the future. Yet we must beware that our “saving for a rainy day” is not motivated by a lack of confidence in God’s provision. Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal (6:19-20). Treasure is something of tremendous value – something we hold in high regard. Your savings account can be an example of good stewardship – Who knows when the water heater will break! Or it can be the “laying up of treasures on earth.” Many who invested money in respected financial institutions have now lost it all, because of the unwise and sometimes immoral actions of others. There is no doubt that such a loss stings – but Christ wants to know if what you’ve lost is “just money,” or if you’ve lost your treasure. It is not wise to consider as treasure any of our material blessings because they can be gone forever in a moment. Yet treasure stored up in Heaven: peace with God, wisdom, and love for others, can never be affected by adverse market trends or moths or rust or thieves. Do Not Be Anxious – And so Jesus’ lesson in financial peace ends with a command that gets right to the core of our financial insecurity: anxiety. When we are anxious, we are not generous. When we are anxious, we regard our earthly possessions as valuable treasures. This is not God’s pattern for financial peace. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of

you by being anxious can add and single hour to his span of life…Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (6:25-33). Do we believe that the King of the universe cares for His people? Do we believe that the God who clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air considers us of more worth than they? Christ says it is so. He says that He knows and will provide for all our needs. The way we respond to difficult times is not insignificant and can affect others. The reaction of a father can dramatically affect his whole family. However, when a wife and children see that daddy is not afraid of what tomorrow will bring because of his supreme confidence in God, he has made an impact that can be measured in generations. Coworkers, employees, and neighbors who witness the reactions of Christians during these troubled times will wonder how they can have such peace. How will we live? This is the question Christians must ask themselves each day. In an abundant harvest, when there is much wealth, we know of our obligation to show the world we do not rely on ourselves and our possessions, but on God – and are thankful to Him alone for our harvest. So in times of uncertainty, we must not show the world the same fear, worry, and anxiety that they experience. Instead we must display the generosity, confidence, and love for wisdom that comes from a life lived before the face of God. The current financial “crisis” is one of many opportunities Christians have to point the world to Christ. Let’s not miss it. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:34).G Paul Mulner is the pastor of Sandy Plains ARP Church in Tryon, NC, and editor of The Reformation Journal.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

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13

Women’s Ministries – a great friend By Chip Sherer PRESIDENT

P

eggy Murdock, in her book 1974 book entitled Bonclarken, A Story of Faith, Hope, and Tenacity, makes a wonderful statement that continues to be true to this day. “In telling the history of Bonclarken, several areas have been overlooked because they were difficult to ‘fit in,’ yet they need to be mentioned. One important area, which has been neglected because it was so consistent that it would have become repetitious to tell, is the part the Women of the Church has played in Bonclarken’s development. “Synodical, at the very beginning, held its annual meetings at the Assembly Grounds, when Synod shunned the opportunity. Local circles and societies have been a major source for securing needed funding and furnishings for the buildings at Bonclarken. To completely evaluate the support of the Women of the Church would be utterly impossible.” What a great statement! How accurate Murdock was in her description of the vital role Women’s Ministries (WOC) has played in Bonclarken’s history. Structural Fiberglass

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Synodical first met at Bonclarken in 1923. Now understand that 1922 was the first year the summer conferences were held here, so the women decided almost immediately that their annual meeting would be held at Bonclarken. But the women left Bonclarken and started having their annual meeting at churches throughout the denomination. Five years ago, their annual meeting came back to Bonclarken, and we are glad to have them here each July. The first meeting of General Synod to be held at Bonclarken was 11 years later, in 1934. In her book, Murdock states that the fact that Robert S. Galloway, one of the founders of Bonclarken, was to serve as Moderator in 1934 “probably had nothing to do with the decision to hold Synod at Bonclarken whatsoever…” This same Robert Galloway, in his early attempts to furnish the buildings, made a plea for new interior furnishings to…guess who – the Women of the Church. And, the requests for support have continued – as have the gifts. Today, many Women’s Ministries programs have Bonclarken as part of their annual support. We receive over $10,000 each year in contributions directly from Women’s Ministries programs at individual churches or through Presbyterials. But, it’s not just the financial support we appreciate. How many young people have found their way to Bonclarken due to the encouragement of the women in their church? How many visits have members of Women’s Ministries made to Bonclarken for various conferences; and how many prayers have been lifted up in support of this conference center? Too many to count. But why have the women been so incredibly supportive? I contacted Sue Roberson, current presi-

dent of Women’s Ministries, for her thoughts. “Bonclarken is just a wonderful place,” said Sue. “From the moment of my first visit, I fell in love with the place. Women’s Ministries knows the important role Bonclarken has played in many lives and we are happy to support it.” Women’s Ministries is represented on our Board of Trustees by Jane Shelton Dale of Camden, AL. “Bonclarken is, in many ways, the heart of the denomination,” she said. “It plays such a huge role in uniting us as a church family and generations of our women have recognized that. Youth conferences, Bible conferences, Synodical Hall, Camp Joy, the gift shop, those “mountaintop experiences” – we realize their importance and are more than willing to support them.” That Bonclarken is the heart of the denomination is an interesting notion. This heart beats strong today because of the faithful support of Women’s Ministries. I know many readers of The ARP are active Women’s Ministries members. Please know how much Bonclarken appreciates and values your support. Feel free to read this article aloud at your next meeting!G

The Women’s Ministries Annual Silver Tea at Synodical Hall.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

A congregation’s commitment By E. Brent Turner

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

D

o you remember being asked this question from the Book of Worship? – “Do you the members of this congregation in the name of the Church of Christ, undertake with these parents the Covenant responsibility for the Christian nurture of this child?” Of course you remember this question is asked when a child is baptized. We have heard this question many times and have stood and answered, “Yes, we will undertake with these parents the Covenant responsibility for the Christian nurture of this child.” But I wonder what this actually means to those of you who answer in the affirmative – that you should give money to the youth program? Or, maybe you believe you should help in the nursery, if you have a child in the nursery. Maybe you take it to mean that you will correct this child if you see them misbehaving. Yes, these are all good points, but there is so much more in this commitment. I have talked to a number

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of churches that are struggling to find people to help with youth groups, teach youth Sunday school classes, serve in Children’s Church, or help lead a group of children in Bible study. Why do so many churches struggle with these things when the congregation stands to make this commitment? Is there any wonder so many of our youth go off to college and end up leaving the church? A couple of weeks ago my son, Jessie, cut his finger on one of the doorways at church. We rushed to the emergency room and he left with four stitches in his finger. Four stitches may not sound like a big deal, but it was to my 13-year-old son. The next day, one of the deacons of the church called and asked to speak to Jessie. He had heard about what had happened and called to check on him. I can’t tell you how much that meant to my son. As a parent, it meant a lot to me as well. It is difficult raising children today and parents need as much help and encouragement as we can give them. How well are you doing in the commitment you made to the children who were baptized in your church? If we all took this commitment seriously, there would be a line of people waiting to help lead and teach our

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young people. The nursery would be full of helpers who want to help the parents out so the parents don’t have to be in the nursery. If this were true, our youth would be getting calls or text messages from members who let them know they are praying for them. Just as we should daily remember our marriage vows, we should also daily remember our vows to God concerning the responsibility for the Christian nurture of the children in our churches.G

24 Tips for Sunday school teachers Each month we will cover one of 24 tips for Sunday school teachers from the book What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know by E.L.Towns.

Tip Number 10 Developing a Lesson Outline is Important! One of the challenges a teacher faces each week is to find the right structure in building a lesson. Just as the muscles in your body take shape around your skeleton, so the content of your lesson needs a structure to help you present truth and to help your class members remember the lesson. A lesson outline is like a road map that will keep you from getting lost and help you arrive at your destination. Teachers who are unsure of their outlines find it hard to concentrate while teaching a lesson, which leaves the students frustrated. When you use a good outline, you will find it easier to remember your important principles and be more likely to communicate in an effective way. 15

Young alumni share teaching award for service in China

S

ome 5,000 freshmen at SIAS International University, Xinzheng, in the Henan province of China, recently voted for “Most Outstanding Teacher of the Year” – and chose two Erskine College alumni to share the award. Drew Carlisle of Essex Junction, VT, and Ashley Neely of Rock Hill, SC, both 2007 graduates, returned from China June 12 after a year of teaching oral English to freshmen. Along with their teaching prize, they brought home vivid memories.

came a naturalized U.S. citizen,” Carlisle explained. “He hires Christians because they are honest and have a good work ethic. The motto of the university is ‘East meets West.’”

– Carlisle went to Indonesia for surfLiving there ing, Thailand for rock climbing and For both Carlisle Vietnam for scuba diving – the two and Neely, “East meets teachers enjoyed opportunities most West” meant confrontpeople will never have. But as they ing the realities of livreflect on their year in China, their foing and working in Chicus is on their students. na, from transportation “It was quite a rewarding advendifficulties to linguistic ture,” Neely said. “The most positive and cultural barriers. feature of being a teacher in China was Transportation probspending time with the students. The lems, ranging in severmajority of them have open minds ity from inconvenient and want to learn more about spoken to nearly nightmarish, English and American culture.” were part of life in ChiThe time the teachers spent with Getting there na for the two English students, in class and elsewhere, reCarlisle, who earned teachers. sulted in real progress, according to Drew Carlisle a history degree at Neely said traveling Carlisle, who said he videotaped his Erskine, said a history around China was the students early in the fall and again in course piqued his interest in China most challenging aspect of her expelate spring. and he started inquiring about teachrience. “When I rode in a taxi for the “The change in their English ing abroad once he was accepted into first time in China, I was told it was speaking ability was profound,” he a master’s program and had a year best to keep my eyes said. “I really admire to wait before beginning graduate looking at my shoes,” their hard work. It is work. she said. “They pass incredibly rewarding After seeking advice from Erskine and play ‘chicken’ conas their teacher to see graduate Hannah Collier about her stantly. The buses do their improvement and experience in China, he learned about the same.” desire to learn.” SIAS International University, “home Carlisle, too, enBecause “foreign facto the largest contingent of American countered travel difulty are very visible,” foreign faculty in China,” Carlisle ficulties, once after a Carlisle said, he and said. severe winter storm Neely knew that “witNeely, a business administrahad caused problems nessing by example” tion graduate, considered carefully with rail travel. “I was was important. whether to make the commitment to stranded in the south“Our position as teach in China. “The application to ern city of Guangzhou role models and as forserve as an SIAS professor filters each with 800,000 Chinese mative teachers in the Ashley Neely applicant to see whether they would people at the train stalives of our students be an appropriate fit for the environtion trying to get home from their was heightened because the novelty ment and community,” she said. “AfChinese New Year vacation.” of our race and citizenship,” he said. ter applying and serious prayer I acJust as Carlisle and Neely made an cepted the offer to teach in China for Mutual impact impact on their students’ lives, their a year.” Exploring Chinese culture, travelstudents made a deep impression on “SIAS is a new university, founded ing around China and even in other them. by a Chinese businessman who beAsian countries during school breaks CONTINUED ON PG. 19 16

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

American teams in Wales Missions is the task that our Lord has given to the Church. This past summer, 100 Americans and one Canadian responded to the short-term missions assignment in Wales. We are grateful for all the teams who took part in serving at various churches in eight locations in south Wales. The mission teams have always been a great source of encouragement and help in sharing the Gospel and Christ’s love. —Frank van Dalen Executive Director Report From Short-term Mission Teams By Dottie Bigham ales – Once again God used the summer activities and mission teams who came to Wales to encourage believers and bring new ones to Himself. Five of the teams returned to communities where they have worked in the past, building on relationships started in the past and maintained throughout the year through letters and the internet.

W

The Greenville ARP Church (SC) Team returned for the 10th year to the Rhydyfelin Methodist Church. This team was joined by others from Canada, Burlington, NC, and four Welsh students. The students grew as they saw students like themselves sharing their stories and modeling leadership skills. They learned how to speak boldly about Jesus Christ and not scare off the young people. NOVEMBER 2008

nacle Church hosted the first team 11 years ago. This team is working hard to involve church people in ministry to their village.

The Fayetteville ARP Church (TN) Team returned to Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pentrebach for the fifth year. In addition to the Holiday Bible Club, afternoon games on the field, and the evening coffee house for older youth, the team taught Sunday school, children’s church and a special needs group.

The First Presbyterian Church (Columbia, SC) Team returned to Glyn Coch Christian Fellowship for the fourth year. Glyn Coch is a village with a reputation for being a rough place. One mother expressed how the village is a different place during the week the team is there.

The First Presbyterian Church (Lake Wales, FL) Team returned to Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ynysybwl for the fourth year. God used the ministry of this team to bring a young man to Himself. The Taber-

The First ARP Church (Rock Hill, SC) Team returned to the Coedpenmaen Baptist Church in Pontypridd for the third year. Young people attend this church, five of whom worked with the team and then went on a mission trip to west Wales the following week.

The Church of the Atonement (Silver Spring, MD) Team went for the first time to Seion Baptist Church, Maerdy in the Rhondda Valley. The church has a new pastor who is eager to reach out into the community.

The Ebenezer Presbyterian Church (Rock Hill, SC) Team went for the first time to Temple Baptist Church in Pontypridd, a large church of about 100. They were delighted

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 17

Shape church’s future through prayer By Dr. Alan J. Avera

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

D

id you know our presbyteries have over 40 mission congregations or exploratory works in progress as potential new churches? These budding congregations could have a tremendous impact on the future of the ARP Church. But what will that impact be? I urge you to help shape that impact by praying for the home mission work of our presbyteries. But how will you know what to pray? We have a monthly email prayer update that we send to everyone who requests it. You can request our email Outreach Prayer Update by calling the ONA office at 864-232-8297 (ext. 229), or by sending an email requesting it to [email protected]. Here is a testimony from one busy pastor, Fred Carr of Church of the Atonement in Silver Spring, MD, about how he uses the Outreach Prayer Update: Like most pastors I face a full inbox every day. I’m not looking for more mail! However, I make a practice of scrolling down the page to notice the names of people and places I have a personal acquaintance with and interest in. You have addresses linked to the page, so it’s easy for me to type out a short message of encouragement to various mission developers. I do a lot of praying at my desk in front of my monitor, so with the names of our church plants, I pray as I read my email. A second advantage is that it keeps me aware of how the ARP is growing. From time to time I talk to people here in DC who aren’t acquainted with the ARP (imagine!). It helps me to explain how the Lord is using us to branch out into the northeast and middle America. Thanks 18

again to you and your staff for this work. John Adams, an elder at Tirzah ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC, has helped his church develop a phone tree prayer team of 28 prayer partners. The prayer partners get a weekly notice of how to pray for our church planting network and for ARP church planters.

Hope Chapel: Bringing Renewal and Hope to the City of Greensboro By Rev. Todd Jones Last summer, Michael Van Patter and I traveled to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi with Christ Community’s youth group to help re-build houses devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Our team partnered with Lagniappe, a local PCA church plant. While in Bay St. Louis, we saw first hand how a church plant whose mission is singularly focused on the renewal of a city can bring about spiritual, social, and cultural renewal and transformation. This missional model combines with Nehemiah’s call for restoration and renewal of our cities to confirm our call and inspire our vision to plant a church in Greensboro that brings hope, healing, and restoration in the university communities and surrounding neighborhoods. With the blessing of First Presby-

Have you and your church set up a way to regularly pray for our newly developing congregations? Our sovereign God chooses to use prayer as a primary means of grace.G tery, Michael and I are working with a launch team of 29 adults and 9 children to plant a daughter church of Christ Community called Hope Chapel. Michael is serving as director of worship and arts. We are focusing on the university area of the city, an area with over 27,000 students, professors, young professionals, and young families. This area is a historic, vibrant and culturally rich community with many un-churched people waiting to be engaged with the good news of the Gospel. Like Lagniappe, it is our desire that Hope Chapel would bring about renewal to this area of our city. As Paul reminds the Ephesians in the first chapter of his epistle, the kingdom of God is at hand. The church is God’s chosen instrument to model kingdom life and to serve as an agent of the kingdom to bring about renewal. At Hope Chapel, we consider it a privilege to join the restoration that Jesus inaugurated when He came to our world over 2000 years ago. We are committed to preaching the good news of the Gospel and demonstrating the effects of the Gospel through loving and caring for the disenfranchised, poor, and needy in our communities. It is our desire that the city of Greensboro hears the Gospel and experiences its impact as good news in such a way that the Holy Spirit CONTINUED

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

sets hearts on fire for our great God. Please pray for us over the next weeks and months as we continue on this missionary journey. Please ask the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of everyone we meet to convict them of their sin and to draw their hearts to our Heavenly Father. We long to see God’s glory revealed in the city of Greensboro. There is much work to do, but together through the power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit we trust that God is on the move and that He is going to restore the beauty of the city and transform the lives of many in Greensboro.G

Young alumni… CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

“I cannot generalize about the Chinese people, but I do know I have had students or experiences that prove they are humble, have servants’ hearts and love learning,” Neely said. Carlisle agreed. “I will miss them dearly.”G

It’s time for the ARP Magazine subscription drive. If your church has not received campaign materials, contact the editor at [email protected] or call Susan Lever, 1-800-849-2771, ext. 236.

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November Prayer Calendar Synod’s Committee on Worship has authorized this calendar for use in private devotions and family altars throughout the denomination. Scripture readings, memory verses and Westminster Shorter Catechism questions correspond with those used in the Adult Quarterly Sunday School curriculum published by Christian Education Ministries. In support of the ARP denomination, we ask that you include the churches and individuals listed below in your daily prayers.

WEEK ONE

9

MEMORY VERSE

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians 4:15

CATECHISM

Q.4. What is God? A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

1 2

Ephesians 4:1-6. Trinity ARP Church (51/30), Chatham, ON: Rev. Henry G. Bartsch, mission developer. Ephesians 4:7-16. Ebenezer Presbyterian Church (464/81), Rock Hill, SC: Dr. R. Boyce Wilson, pastor.

WEEK TWO MEMORY VERSE

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” Galatians 3:8

CATECHISM

Q.5. Are there more Gods than one? A. There is but one only, the living and true God.

3 4 5 6 7 8

Acts 15:1-5. Retired minister’s widow: Mrs. Mary Wardlaw, Columbia, SC, on her birthday. Acts 15:6-11. Missionaries: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Howard, Wales. Acts 15:12-21 . Missionary: Dottie Bigham, Wales. Romans 10:5-9. Retired missionary: Imogene Covone, Golden Gate, FL, on her birthday. Romans 10:10-17. Prosperity ARP Church (48/8), Taft, TN: Rev. C. Dana Crowell, pastor. Galatians 2:1-10. Mayesville Presbyterian Church (84/20), Mayesville, SC: Rev. Brian C. Peake, pastor.

Galatians 2:11-21. Union ARP Church (73/9), Richburg, SC; and Edgemoor ARP Church (215/54), Edgemoor, SC: Rev. J. Allen Derrick, pastor.

WEEK THREE MEMORY VERSE

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12

CATECHISM

Q.6. How many persons are there in the Godhead? A. There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Psalm 46. Idlewild ARP Church (78/12), Charlotte, NC: Rev. S. Barry Eller, pastor. Philippians 1:3-11. Brighton Presbyterian Church (97/13), Brighton, TN: Dr. Meredith L. Cavin, pastor. Philippians 1:12-18. Linden ARP Church (70/9), Gastonia, NC: Rev. J. Michael Lineberger, pastor. Philippians 1:19-26. Piney Creek Presbyterian Church (40/5), Taneytown, MD: Rev. H. Paul Matthews, pastor. Philippians 1:27-30. Missionaries: Rev. and Mrs. Scott Andes, Kazakhstan. Philippians 3:17—4:1. Young Memorial ARP Church (242/31), Anderson, SC: Dr. L. Thomas Richie, pastor. Philippians 4:2-9. Retired minister: Dr. C.M. Coffey, Davidson, NC, on his birthday. Retired minister’s widow: Mrs. Martha Morris, Pottsville, AR, on her birthday.

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WEEK FOUR MEMORY VERSE

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5

CATECHISM

Q.7. What are the decrees of God? A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

2 Tim. 1:3-7. Lemira Presbyterian Church ARP (37/7), Sumter, SC: Mr. Dan Rowton, supply pastor. 2 Tim. 1:8-14. First ARP Church (163/23), Lancaster, SC: Rev. Kyle E. Sims, pastor. Romans 1:8-17. Retired minister: Dr. L. M. Allison, Due West, SC, on his birthday. 2 Tim. 2:8-13. Spartanburg ARP Church (80/11), Spartanburg, SC: Rev. Peter A. Waid, pastor. 2 Tim. 2:14-19. Hillside Presbyterian Church (57/5), Burlington, NC: Rev. William Prince, pastor. 2 Tim. 3:14-17. Ebenezer ARP Church (87/20), Lexington, VA: Mr. Sam Ruley, Clerk of Session. 2 Tim. 2:1-3; 4:1-5. Retired ministers: Rev. R. Lionel Morgan, Huntersville, NC, and Dr. Douglas O. Jones, Rock Hill, SC, on their birthdays.

November Events

WEEK FIVE MEMORY VERSE

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Q.8. How doth God execute his decrees? A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

25 26 27 28 29 30

John 16:25-33. Stony Point ARP Church (9/0), Stony Point, NC: Rodney Oiver, Diaconate Chairman. New Amity ARP Church (70/14), Scotts, NC: Bobby Hager, Clerk of Session. 1 Thess. 2:13-16. Retired minister: Rev. Bob E. Murdock Sr., Rock Hill, SC, on his birthday. Romans 8:18-25. Unity ARP Church (75/15), Piedmont, SC: Rev. R. Mark Wright, pastor. Acts 14:21-23. Chaplain: Rev. Michael A. Kelly, US Army, Fort Bliss, TX. 1 Peter 4:12-19. Retired missionary: Dr. E. Reynolds Young, Flat Rock, NC, on his birthday. Psalm 44:17-26. Chaplain: Rev. Paul G. Patrick, Erskine College. 2 Cor. 11:16-18, 21-30; 12:9-10. Missionaries: Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Osborne, Mexico.

* denotes mission church. Membership figures represent the number of active communicant members/noncommunicant members. Lessons and/or Readings based on International Sunday School Lessons. The International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2001 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

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6-7 7-9

CATECHISM

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2 2 4 5

8 10-11 11 12-14 14-16 21-23 23 26-30 TBA 27 27-28 30

ARP Magazine Sunday Daylight Savings Time Ends Election Day (US) Minister and His Work Committee, Bonclarken Board of Benefits Meeting, 1 p.m. orientation, 2:30 meeting, Bonclarken Catawba Presbytery Middle School Retreat, Bonclarken Florida Presbyterial Women’s Ministries Board Meeting, 11 a.m., Bartow Church Outreach North America Board, Bonclarken Remembrance Day (Canada); Veterans Day (US) Dunlap Board Meeting, Bonclarken, 3 p.m. 1st & 2nd Presbytery Middle School Retreat Catawba Presbytery Senior High Retreat, Bonclarken Christ the King Sunday Thanksgiving Break, Erskine College Thanksgiving Break, Erskine Theological Seminary Thanksgiving Day (US) ARP Center Offices closed, Thanksgiving Holidays First Sunday of Advent

American teams… CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

to have the team help them in their continued outreach to the community around their former building.

First ARP Church (Gastonia, NC) Team went for the first time to The Bay Church in Cardiff. The church had organized a soccer school, and the team was essential in making the week go smoothly, with almost 60 young people. We thank each church that sent people to Wales and those who responded to the Lord’s call to go and work to further the Kingdom of God. It was a rewarding experience for all who went.G

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

Daughters of the Covenant SUE ROBERSON President

“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4: 11–13).

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ith the “changing of seasons,” do you sometimes stand in awe of our Father God and His creation of our planet Earth? After the first day of autumn, I noticed the leaves beginning to fall from the trees. It is amazing to contemplate just how “perfectly” God created His world. It seems that everything has been placed into a perfect order. We can all be confident that God is in control of all that He has created, and trust in Him to guide us and lead us into His will and purpose for our lives – individually, corporately, and spiritually. This is the third month of our new bible study of Paul’s Letters to Maturing Churches. I pray that all of the Women’s Ministries, and WOCs, are studying this series of New Testament letters from Paul: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1&2 Thessalonians. These letters are rich in the Word of God, passed on to us by Paul as he helps to shape and form the new body of Christ – the Church universal. This month’s study is “God’s MysNOVEMBER 2008

tery Revealed,” from Ephesians 2 & 3. It is a continuing lesson about our “covenant relationship” with our Lord that involves accountability. It also reminds us that our identity in Christ cannot be separated from the church. By understanding this fact, we can then reflect God’s grace to His family. A Rich Tapestry Throughout our lessons, the author quotes excerpts from By Design, and the Biblical Foundations for Womanhood Bible Study Series; as well as verses from Paul’s letters. The author, Lynn Brookside, has woven a rich tapestry of the Bible scriptures and a covenantal perspective that gives us new insights into who we are in Christ Jesus. She compares our study of the book of Ephesians to “climbing a hill,” which begins to get more difficult as we ascend the steep incline. As we reach the summit, we are into Chapter 3, and Paul refreshes us as he expands upon his topic in 3:20–21: “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” As we study our Bibles, we must pray for understanding and wisdom to apply God’s Word to our lives. If we understand that we are daughters of the covenant, with the privilege of being part of God’s covenant family, then we can reflect God’s grace to other believers, and act as instruments of unity within His church. It is imperative as godly, Christian women, for us to walk in the light of Christ, and to follow His mandate to be “salt and light” to a dying world. All around us are people who need

the “touch” of Jesus to give them hope for a better tomorrow. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus in today’s world, to reach out and let others know that there is a God who loves them so much that He allowed His Son to die for them. Let us truly become who God has called us to be! God’s Choice In this election month, much prayer is needed for our nation, as we elect a new president. My prayer is that it will be the person that God chooses to lead us, for we are in dire straits at this time in history. I believe if we are truly a Christian nation, founded on Christian concepts and principals, then God is still watching over us. Even though we sometimes “fall short” in our Christian walk,” God is still waiting for us to turn to Him. Jesus teaches us: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). May we pray for revival throughout our nation, and turn back to God, “in whom we trust.”G 21

ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

The end of my rope ELIZABETH M. BURNS Administrator

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hanksgiving season always brings to mind thoughts of bounty and abundance. A time to reflect on the amazing grace of God that has been poured into our lives over the past year, filling our lives, and dinner tables, to overflowing with many good things. God intends that His people have a full life, not just in material blessings and provisions, but in spiritual blessings and provisions as well. Material blessings are temporal, and shall one day pass away. However, spiritual promises and provisions of God our Father sustain us in this life and will carry us safely into the life to come. Yet despite God’s intention, have you ever found yourself feeling empty and without provision? – trying to look up, but not sure where up is? Wanting to overcome, but wondering what’s come over you? I have. In fact, as I write this article, I do so in the wake of struggling with similar thoughts. And I ask myself, “What in the world happened? How did I get to this place? When I got to the end of my rope, why did I believe it was the end? Am I not a child of grace, saved by grace, believing in and relying on God? Of course I am! But I’m also a child who sometimes forgets just who and what her heavenly Father is. I am a child who forgets what her heavenly Father has promised and has already provided: a child who forgets an important principle of the 22

grace of God that she is so dependent upon. To understand and fully enjoy the grace of God, one must first know and remember the God of grace: know who He is and what He has promised; what He has done, is doing and will do. Life’s Pressures An abundant life in God is the result of an intimate life with God. Yet intimacy in this most precious of relationships sometimes falls victim to the pressure of circumstances and the tyranny of the urgent! Be honest, haven’t you found your life so filled with pressing circumstances that there was no room for God – except for quick prayer in the morning and the obligatory glance at the devotion before getting to the “important” stuff of the day? God has taught me (again) that there is no quicker way to becoming an anorexic Christian than neglecting the time and intimacy necessary to nurture my relationship with Him. God has shown me (again) how important it is to know Him – really know Him – so that I might know the reality and benefits of an abundant life. Before wondering how I reached such a low place in my life, at the end of my rope and believing the only option was to let go, God had been consistently revealing some specific things to me along the way. But being so filled with the circumstances I was trying to juggle, I just wouldn’t listen. Thank God for His persistence, His grace, His people, and His Word that calms our fears. Every challenge of life, every circumstance of life, and every critical hour, Jesus really is the answer! This is no cliché. It’s the very foundation of an abundant life in God.

God is in Control All of us have, are, and will continue to be challenged by circumstances, but we don’t have to face them alone, nor in a state of forgetfulness or ignorance. When circumstances threaten to undo us, consider the following truths that might convince you to develop a more intimate life with God. When circumstances: • Cause you to feel that no one understands, remember El Roi - the God who sees you and knows every circumstance. • Make your life seem out of control, remember El Shaddai, God Almighty, who is in control of every circumstance. • Bring darkness: remember I am the Light of the world. John 8:12. • Dictate no way out: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life (John14:6). • Are too much to handle: Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden (Matt.11:29-30). Thankful for every blessing that flows from God’s grace, I am especially thankful for being reminded of the importance of spending time alone with Him, in His word, for the sole purpose of really knowing Him, so I might enjoy the abundant life He intends for all His children, despite challenging circumstances. Which description fits you: intimidated by circumstances that have come over you; or, intimate with the God who overcomes circumstances? Which one do you want to be?G

CONTACT INFORMATION Elizabeth Burns 2110 Brandon Rd. Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 762-9019 (H) (910) 547-6695 (C) [email protected]

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

Spiritual maturity JANA EVANS Spiritual Life

A

s we contemplate our spiritual growth, focus on prayer and the study of Scripture. Most people I have met seem to find either one or the other to be easier. There is then a temptation to decide that whichever we find easier must be the most important. However, both are necessary for us to mature spiritually. Each year ARP Women’s Ministries chooses a Bible study which we encourage women in all our local churches to use during the year. We alternate between books of the Old and New Testaments in an effort to expose ourselves to the whole counsel of God. We also encourage personal reading of scripture to increase that exposure and to help us understand the unity of the whole Bible. Prayer Emphasis Beginning on page 24 of this issue of the ARP Magazine, you will find the annual Prayer Emphasis Program. I hope many of you use this program in your local Women’s Ministries. If not, I encourage you to use it individually. It can help each of us to focus on the importance of prayer in our individual life as well as the corporate life of the church. I suggest that as you go through the program you make note of comments that you find challenging. Also note any thoughts that come to mind as you prayerfully reflect on the accompanying Scriptures. Keep these notes where you can find them easNOVEMBER 2008

ily and bring them out often to reflect again on how prayer is helping your spiritual growth. May I also encourage you to combine your Scripture reading and your prayer time? Question 178 of the Larger Catechism (as well as question 98 of the Shorter Catechism) asks, “What is prayer?” The answer is, “Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.” How can we know his will? While we may not find the specifics of God’s will for our lives spelled out in Scripture, we do find many general guidelines there. Further, while we prayerfully read and meditate on God’s Word, we often discover the truth about the motivation behind those desires we wish to offer up to God. Perhaps we will change our prayers as a result. How to Pray Further along in the Larger Catechism, question 185 asks, “How are we to pray?” The answer is, “We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and sins; with penitent, thankful, and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him, with humble submission to his will.” It takes some time and several readings to digest that answer, but it reveals the attitude that I find comes when I read scripture with my thoughts on prayer. As I read, I am reminded of God’s majesty and can immediately pause and praise Him. I am reminded, in stark contrast, of my own unworthiness and give thanks for the blessings

He gives me anyway. Both the revelation of God’s character and the sins of men and women recorded throughout Scripture cause me to recall my own sin and I can quickly confess. As I work through this process and proceed to offer my petitions to God, I often find that my attitude and thus my requests have changed to those more in line with His will. I encourage you not to forget prayer when you engage in focused study of a particular book of the Bible, such as the study recommended by ARP Women’s Ministries. As the Bible is God’s Word, we need to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is the one who helps us understand it. In prayer we ask for that understanding as well as the desire and courage to apply it to our lives. It is my prayer that we will all seek to grow spiritually through both prayer and the study of God’s Word.G

Corrections to ARP WM Contacts MISSISSIPPI VALLEY President Norma Columbus 18 Scott Street Brighton TN 38011 (901) 476-9026 Secretary Susan Cavin 51 Church Ave. PO Box 36 Brighton TN 38011 (901) 476-7233 [email protected] 23

THE PRIVILEGE & RESPONSIBILITY OF

Prayer

Day One

By Rita Beamguard One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities we have as Christians is to pray for ourselves and one another. This privilege is ours because we are children of God, members of His covenant family, through Jesus Christ. The responsibility is ours because God commands us to pray. In Jeremiah 33:3, God tells us to call upon Him, “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things, you do not know.” Jesus tells us to ask of Him, and to seek Him, in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” The Bible is full of stories of great people of faith, calling out to God in prayer. Throughout the whole book of Habakkuk, we read about a man who desperately needed to hear from God and who was ever confident that God would answer him (Habakkuk 2:1). The Psalms resound with the cries of David, as he continually praises God (Psalm 29) and calls upon His mercy (Psalm 51:1). As God’s people we yearn for fellowship with Him. Prayer is a means of growing and maintaining our relationship with Him. Through prayer, we can express our praise and adoration to God and worship Him. We can confess our sins and seek forgiveness because of the blood of Christ, and we can offer thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy towards us. Finally, we can bring our petitions to God, asking both for those things that we need and those we desire. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that 24

we don’t have to worry about anything, instead we should pray about everything; tell God all our needs, and not to forget to thank Him. If we do this we will experience God’s peace, which is more wonderful than any human can understand. His peace will keep our hearts and minds calm and quiet while we are trusting in Jesus. What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer. Joseph Scriven, author of this great hymn, understood the peace that comes from prayer, when writing these words to his mother who was critically ill in Ireland. Having no material resources to send to her, he could only send a reminder that the most perfect of friends, Jesus Christ, was near to her. Scriven was a man who had personally experienced the friendship of Jesus through a life filled with tragedy. As a young man in Ireland, his fiancée accidentally drowned the evening before their wedding. Soon after this tragedy, he set sail for Canada – seemingly destined to live his life alone, with Jesus as his only close friend. Some years later a second fiancée contracted tuberculosis and also died prior to their wedding. Scriven never intended to publish this hymn, but how thankful we are that someone discovered this treasure. When asked if he was really the author he

replied, “Jesus and I wrote it together” – evidence of a close relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ! Let us not forget our responsibility to pray for ourselves and for others, whether in a time of need, while seeking His forgiveness and mercy, or during a moment of praise and thanksgiving. Be reminded today of what a privilege it is “to carry everything to God in prayer.” Prayer Focus • Commit to making prayer a priority in your life. • Schedule a time to pray each day • Make a prayer list or journal • Pray Scripture • Pray the prayers of others Something to Think About Take to heart the words Paul wrote to the Philippians and to us in Chapter 4:6-7 and make a conscious decision not to worry anymore. Instead, pray about everything, tell God all your needs, and thank Him. Paul said that if you do this, you will experience a kind of peace that no human can understand. Does that sound like something you might desire? Remember, the way to worry about nothing is to pray for everything. Will you leave a legacy of worry or prayer? Scripture Verses Jeremiah 33:3 Matthew 7:7 Habakkuk 2:1 Psalm 29 Psalm 51:1 Philippians 4:6-7 Ephesians 6:18

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Suggested Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs Bible Songs 58 Bow and Adore 105 The Penitent’s Prayer & Confession 106 Whiter Than Snow

Day Two

By Rita Beamguard What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. What a Friend We Have in Jesus has been my favorite hymn since I was a young girl. The first one Mrs. Stewart taught me to play on the piano. What a comfort those words had become to a small girl praying for Daddy to go to church with the rest of the family. While I had never even heard the word intercessory prayer I was deeply committed to the practice of bringing another before the throne of God. It was Mama who first taught my brother, Mark, and me to pray in intercession. Releasing us from a long standing tradition of heckling and nagging Daddy that would begin in earnest on Friday evening and usually end in tears on Sunday morning. “He’s not even listening to you anymore but, I know someone who will,” she told us. I’ll never forget the smothering disappointment I felt when Daddy did not go to church with us after a week of praying. Had I done something wrong? Why hadn’t prayer ‘worked’? I refused to give up. The next week I prayed double time. I tried to be the perfect child thinking that maybe I had not been good enough for God to answer my prayer. I couldn’t wait for Sunday morning to reap what I had sown all week. When Daddy came to breakfast that morning dressed in work clothes I excused myself from the table and retreated to my room to cry. I softly sang the words to myself. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer. I was beginning to NOVEMBER 2008

Trinity Hymnal 629 What a Friend We Have in Jesus 634 Sweet Hour of Prayer 32 Great Is Thy Faithfulness

The Hymnbook 397 More Love to Thee O Christ 419 From Every Stormy Wind That Blows 433 Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

understand prayer doesn’t work like a charm only when one follows the steps exactly. When the three of us were settled into the car to drive to church Mama said, “We’re going to keep on praying and that’s that.” Mark and I were encouraged by the faithful example of my mama and her stubborn unwillingness to give up. Over the years as I prayed day in and day out I began to truly understand the peace that comes with carrying that heavy burden to God in prayer. By all appearances our prayer appeared to go unanswered. Daddy was becoming an alcoholic. He withdrew more and more from our home. Going to church was the last thing he was likely to do. However, my trust that God would answer our prayer increased even as the likelihood of a change dwindled. It seemed that the more we prayed the farther Daddy got not only from church but from us. The time I was spending in prayer was growing my faith. My prayer began to mature and become more centered on God’s will. The more I understood of God’s love and grace, the more I understood that Daddy needed more than just a seat in church – he needed to personally know God’s forgiveness and mercy. All the time, Mark and I were growing up physically and spiritually. We had some wonderful spiritual mentors who invested heavily in us. Pastor Fred Griffie, our minister at Ramah Presbyterian Church, impressed upon us that God is sovereign. He assured me that God would not make a mistake or forget about Daddy. The more I learned about the attributes of God the more I understood the truth of those words from the hymn I loved to sing. I truly was privileged to come into the presence of a Holy God where I

had no right to be. I had done nothing to deserve the honor of being heard by Him. I began to change my attitude from feeling like I deserved for my prayer to be heard and answered because I was good enough to take the time to pray, to knowing God hears my prayers because he chooses to and He will answer them because He chooses to do so. In 1980 God began to answer the prayers we had faithfully prayed for almost ten years. Daddy entered into treatment for alcoholism, but it was several years before he was ready to go to church. Over the next few years I felt like I was just getting to know him. He became a wonderful grandfather to my children and my niece and nephews. While there was no doubt in his mind that he had gotten sober by God’s power, he just couldn’t believe that God would save someone like him. He had waited too long; committed one sin too many. Again we prayed for him, except now there were five of us. Mark was now a Baptist minister. He and I had each married. Tabitha and Jonathan joined our circle. We prayed with Daddy when he was sick; sometimes seemingly close to death. We prayed with him at church services when the Word of God would pierce his heart and move him to tears. Always we prayed for him. When Daddy died on Dec. 15, 2005, I was at a loss. I didn’t know how to pray. Fear and grief overtook me. That night I prayed for peace, but it would not come. All through the night I kept waking up, only to remember the awful truth. Each time I awoke, Jonathan’s arm was around me holding me tight against his shoulder in the crook of his arm. What a place of comfort and safety. Peace washed over me as I realized that Daddy was at that very 25

moment in the ultimate place of comfort and safety in the arms of the Savior. I knew how to pray. I gave praise and thanks to God for teaching me who He was through all those years of coming to Him in prayer interceding on behalf of Daddy. Praying for Daddy taught me to leave God’s business for Him to take care of His way. I learned to not expect prayers to be answered in my time and my way. I’ve learned to lean fully on the sovereignty of God rather than what seems to be a sure bet according to worldly conditions. When it looks like all is lost, I take it to the Lord in prayer. Is there trouble anywhere? I should never be discouraged. In His arms He’ll take and shield me. I will find a solace there. Scripture Readings Luke 15:1-10 I Corinthians 7:12-16 John 17:20-26

Day Three

Trinity Hymnal 629 What A Friend We Have in Jesus 616 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms 478 I Love to Tell the Story Contemporary Waiting for a Prayer Sweet Hour of Prayer Grace Like Rain Prayer Focus • Unsaved: known and unknown • Needs within your church family • That your church would be an accurate reflection of the love, mercy, and grace of our Lord to the community

Something to think about: How sensitive are we to the plight of the unsaved? What could we do to raise awareness to the fact that this is the calling of the church: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” In what way is your church praying for the community? – The world? The Bible says there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Can you imagine what Heaven is like when that joy is expressed? How do we as a church body celebrate when one sinner repents? When my parents were first married, they experienced tragedy. Mama reacted by moving closer to God. Daddy responded by moving away from God. Could the church have made a difference in his response? How? I Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” How can we become more aware of the needs within our churches? In what ways can we better address those needs?

Adoring the Father in Prayer

By Robin Rowell I adore my father. I always have. He is my spiritual mentor, my best friend, my hero. He gave my sister and me a wonderful life full of adventure and love. Most of all he lives before me a life dependent on Jesus for all things. I am forever indebted to him and find joy and pride when I think or speak of him. I enjoy being in his presence and receiving from him his wisdom, support, and love. This is but an earthly glimpse of our heavenly Father, but He is far greater! He is Creator, Sustainer, and The Great I Am! He is our Father who provides for the needs of His children. His infinite grace in Christ Jesus has provided for our salvation. In every way He is worthy of our praise and adoration. We delight to be in his presence and receive from Him all 26

Suggested Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs Bible Songs 65 Penitence and Pardon 267 Our All-Sufficient Help 290 God Knows Me

that is ours in Christ. “When we humble ourselves like little children and put on no airs of self-suffiency, but run happily in to the joy of our Father’s embrace, the glory of his grace is magnified and the longing of our soul is satisfied.” —John Piper When we come humbly to our God as a child to a father, we find joy in his presence. As we come to him in prayer we honor him. Our prayer is a form of worship and He receives the glory. The psalmist tells us to delight yourself in the Lord. “Your have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). I usually find myself praying what I call “arrow” prayers, full of what I want or need at the moment, hoping they will shoot straight to the throne

and get an immediate answer. But the Spirit, Who is gentle, reminds me that I am coming to “God the Father, hallowed be thy name.” As I slow down and take time to remember Who He Is, my prayer begins to change and the adoration overflows. In scripture we find wonderful prayers of praise and adoration, especially those of David. Before David’s death, he prays before the assembly, “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, Our father forever and ever. Yours, O Lord is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty for all that is in heaven and in earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all” (I Chronicles 29: 10-11). Now there’s a prayer of adoration! We can take this very prayer and pray it ourselves. Using scripture is a wonderful way to praise and adore

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

the Father. Other scriptures which can be used in prayers of praise are: II Chronicles 6:12-20, Psalm 145, Luke 1:46-55, Exodus 15: 1-18, and I Samuel 2:1-10. “Prayer humbles us as needy and exalts God as wealthy” —John Piper. When I begin my prayers in adoration for who God is and for His wonderful gift of Jesus, His Son, my focus changes. When my prayers become God-centered instead of self-centered, then peace and joy follow. I was once part of a prayer group where one lady would break into song as we prayed, and we would all join in. Oh what a privilege to come to God with our praise as well as our concerns! I adore my Father. I haven’t always, but He called me out of darkness into his marvelous light. He calls me to come and sit at His feet, and worship and learn of Him. I don’t always listen, but I know He offers me a life of love and adventure. I am forever indebted to Him for choosing me to be His child.

• To continually have His praise in my mouth • To live for the praise of His glory Something To Think About If you haven’t already, begin a prayer journal. List words and phrases from the Bible that describe God’s nature. Meditate on these and use them to begin your prayer time.

Try beginning your prayer time by singing a song of praise to God or reading a hymn of praise. Psalm 147:1 “For it is good to sing praises to our God”. Read the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13. What does the word hallowed mean? How can you hallow the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your prayer time?G

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Scripture Readings Hebrews 13:15 Psalm 150 Isaiah 42:8 Psalm 148 Prayer Focus Cause me: • To know Him and the power of His resurrection. • To delight in His presence

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27

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Personal Mention SECOND PRESBYTERY: Dr. R.J. Gore, director of the M. Div. Program at Erskine Seminary, has been promoted to the rank of full Colonel as Acting Command Chaplain for 108th IET Command in the Army National Guard. ATONEMENT (MD): Mavis Franklin celebrated her 94th birthday Aug. 10. AVON PARK (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ulrich celebrated 50 years of marriage June 21. BURLINGTON (NC): Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Campbell celebrated their 61st anniversary Sept. 9. CAMDEN (AL): Jane Shelton Dale was presented the Book of Golden Deeds Award by the Camden Exchange Club. COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gregory celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 4. DEVENGER RD. (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wallace celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary Sept. 1. DUE WEST (SC): Wanda Coleman retired from Dixie High School; this fall, she will be teaching two math classes at Erskine College. EBENEZER (NC): Steve McAllister underwent successful kidney and pancreas transplant on August 21. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Griffin celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in September. EBENEZER (SC): On Sept. 21, a reception honoring Rev. & Mrs. Charles Mitchell was given in honor of their 20 years of ministry at Ebenezer. He continues to serve as Minister of Visitation and together they serve in varieties of ways within the life of the congregation and community. EFFINGHAM (SC): Aug. 18 was “Joe Calcutt Day” at McLeod’s Cardiac Rehab Center; he was surprised with a party and a plaque recognizing his perfect attendance for 2007 and 2008. Zeta Isgett retired from National Welders on Aug. 29. FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Master Sgt. Emmett T. Fowler III received the Army’s Bronze Star for meritorious service during his 2nd deployment to Iraq; he was a member of the 130th RAOC unit of the Tennessee National Guard. 28

FROSTPROOF (FL): Frances Mulcay was honored on Aug. 24 on the occasion of her 94th birthday. Mr. & Mrs. Gene Beaston celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. Mr. & Mrs. Howard Chambers celebrated their 52nd anniversary on Aug. 10. LAKE PLACID (FL): Billy Turner was promoted to captain in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 1; he is an instructor at Quantico Marine Base. Edna Golden enjoyed her 90th birthday on Aug. 25. Numerous special wedding anniversaries were noted recently, including: Mr. & Mrs. Charles Moseley celebrating 63 years on Sept. 1; Mr. & Mrs. Ted Makovsky their 67th on Sept. 7; Mr. & Mrs. Don Bates, their 52nd on Sept. 7; Mr. & Mrs. David Robinson, their 57th on Sept. 15; Mr. & Mrs. Gwen Rudolph, their 71st on Sept. 16; Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bond, their 64th on Sept. 19; and Mr. & Mrs. Bill Steele, their 61st on Sept. 20. LINDEN (NC): Jonathan Edmund achieved the status of Eagle Scout recently. Betty Hodge received her 58-year pin for Sunday school attendance. MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Lenora Ridenhour was recognized at the morning worship service Aug. 17 upon her retirement after 31 years of music ministry to the church; a covered dish luncheon was held in her honor. MOUNT ZION (MO): Mary Agnes Mitchell was honored on Sept. 23, her 90th birthday. NEELY’S CREEK (SC): The following members received pins for perfect attendance in Sunday school: David Carter – 1 year; Charles Montgomery – 34 years; and Marie Simpson – 37 years. NEW STERLING (NC): Sandy Moose has decided to take a break after many years of faithful service as director of the Children’s Choir. Lucille Reese celebrated her 90th birthday recently. Samuel Donnelly was awarded the “God and Me” Cub Scout award Aug. 10. OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Katherine Davis was honored Sept. 4 for her 85th birthday. Louise Berry Bradley celebrated her 85th birthday Sept. 7 with a reception given in her honor at the church. A 90th birthday celebration was held for Susie McCormick on Aug. 10. ORA (SC): Congratulations to Fleming Blakely who was chosen as “Lion of the Year” by the Laurens County Lions Club. PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): Francis McCullough, the church’s oldest member, was honored with a birthday luncheon at the church for his 100th birthday Sept. 11! PISGAH (NC): Don Ratchford and Jake Ratchford were part of the Boy Scout Troop 4 contingent which travelled to the Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron

NM on Aug. 14-16. PROSPERITY (AL): Mr. & Mrs. Burns Sanderson celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary Sept. 1. Mr. & Mrs. Tom Moore celebrated their 53rd anniversary on Sept. 3. PROVIDENCE (NC): Dot Long turned 80 Sept. 13. PROVIDENCE (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Ralph McDaniel celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in early September. ROCK HILL FIRST (SC): Ruby Cornwall celebrated her 90th birthday Sept. 14. Mr. & Mrs. Dick Herron were honored Aug. 31 for their 60th wedding anniversary. SEBRING (FL): Birthdays of note included: Helen Schell, 95 on Aug. 12; Ruth Furedy, 86 on Aug. 15; John Denning, 91 on Aug. 23, and Edie Trotter, 90 on Aug. 31. STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Peggy Rickert was recently inducted into the Reich College of Education’s prestigious Rhododendron Society at Appalachian State University, and recognized for exemplary service to education and community during her 50-year teaching career at five different schools in the Iredell-Statesville school system.

Marriages BURLINGTON (NC): Chris Hutelmyer & Emily Chapman, Aug. 30. CLOVER (SC): Ashley Killian & Lucas Young, Aug. 16. Bart Wallace & Maureen Atta, Aug. 30. COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Michael Bailes & Keri Johnson, Aug. 16. Stan Smith and Mary Hayne, Aug. 16. LAKE PLACID (FL): Jeff Beard & Juli Gonzalez, Sept. 20. NEW STERLING (NC): Kristina Hull & John McClure, July 5. TIRZAH (SC): Jennifer Knight & Clay Tritt, July 26.

Births BETHANY (SC): Mr. & Mrs. John Davidson, a daughter, Felicity Rose, born Aug. 14. COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Mr. & Mrs. James Cathy, a son, Samuel James, born Aug. 19. Mr. & Mrs. Billy James, a daughter, Lily Faith, born Sept. 9. Mr. & Mrs. Frank W. Cason, a son, Frank Walker Jr., born Sept. 15. COMMUNION (CA): Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sinnema, a newborn son, Logan, by adoption on Sept. 17. EBENEZER (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Jason Vance, a son, Miles Avery, born Aug. 29. FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Daniel

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Pitts, a daughter, Katharine Alexandria, born Sept. 3. Mr. & Mrs. Chad Patrick, a daughter Alicia Dae, born Sept. 4.

ruling elder, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, elder emeritus and trustee.

STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Adam & April Rorabaugh with their son Carter; also Rebecca Lomano.

GREENVILLE (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dixon, a daughter, Natalie Ellen, born Sept. 4. Mr. & Mrs. Sam Reid, a daughter Mary Caroline, born Sept. 5.

NEW STERLING (NC): Edith Setzer Milholland, 86, died July 28.

TIRZAH (SC): Michael & Marita Copeland; Dane & Maria Wingate, with children Kayla and Emma.

LAKE PLACID (FL): Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Thayer, a son, Aidan Palmer, born Sept. 16. LANCASTER FIRST (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Kyle Sims, a daughter, Myra Jean, born Aug. 21.

PISGAH (NC): Leola Nell Anderson, 83, died Aug. 23. STATESVILLE FIRST (NC): Carl Mason Alexander, a lifelong member, died Aug. 14. Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Sherrill Keller, 89, died Aug. 14.

MAUPIN AVE. (NC): Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Parker, a son, Kelly Ian, born Aug. 7. Michelle Bradshaw, a son, Skyler Blain Bradshaw, born Aug. 15.

TIRZAH (SC): Buford Neely Parrish, former deacon and faithful member for 69 years, died Aug. 29 at age 81.

NEW STERLING (NC): Amber Snyder, a son Ayden, born Aug. 21.

New Communicant Members

OLD PROVIDENCE (VA): Mr. & Mrs. William Mays, a son, Nicholas Quinn, born July 9. Mr. & Mrs. Greg Buchanan, a daughter, Karley Lynn, born July 25. ORA (SC): Mr. & Mrs. Derrick Griffin, a daughter, Mariah Lee, born Sept. 9. RICHLAND (TN): Mr. & Mrs. Brian Ford, a son, William Sampson “Buck” born July 22. ROWAN (SC): Rev. & Mrs. Phillip McCoy, a son, Phillip Reid Jr., born Aug. 28.

Deaths AVON PARK (FL): Virginia Platz Davies, 85, died June 27. Lillian Angelica Myers, 101, died June 28. Dorothy Clelland died Aug. 18. BACK CREEK (NC): Elder Emeritus Charles Nelson White, 88, died Aug. 21. Also, lifelong member and a deacon, Thomas Edward Cochrane, died Aug. 21. BALLSTON CENTER (NY): Randall R. Rockwood, 87, died Sept. 7. CENTENNIAL (SC): J. Armstrong, 40, died Aug. 17. Kathryn Mintz Caston, 88, died July 30. COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): James E. “Jim” McKinnon died Sept. 4. DUE WEST (SC): Thomas Huffman died Aug.18. EBENEZER (NC): Thomas Leland Guthrie, 83, died Sept. 11. FAITH (Merritt Island FL): Angelo Frank Cervini, 89, died Aug. 17. FAITH (MD): Hugh Warren Easter died Aug. 24. FAYETTEVILLE (TN): James Scott Fee, a lifelong member and son of Rev. and Mrs. Jim Fee, died Aug. 18. GREENVILLE (SC): Helen Mapp Sloan died Sept. 19. LINDEN (NC): John Wilson Morrow, 90, died Sept. 15; he had been a member for over 60 years and faithfully served as a NOVEMBER 2008

ALL SAINTS’ (NC): Patrick Gretzinger; Dick & Elizabeth Mooney; Ian & Tina Piepgrass; Wendell & Iris Piepgrass; Julia Schwarz. AVON PARK (FL): Richard & Mary Miller; David & Lynette Draper. BACK CREEK (NC): Kimberly Green. BOYCE MEMORIAL (NC): Conrad & Leslie Martin. THE BRIDGE (SC): Ben & Jonna DeSpain; Adam & Marcia Howard; Richard & Elaine Collins; Jacques & Elizabeth Murray; Geovanny Zuniga & Sarai Campos-Florez; Bryan Zuniga. BURLINGTON (NC): Pat Riddell. CODDLE CREEK (NC): Dr. & Mrs. Larry Lefsky. COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Rachel Bird; Mr. & Mrs. Michael Clem; Mr. & Mrs. David Ely; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Farr; Emma Gwinn; Daniel Henderson; E. Don Hoyt; Bryan Miller; Elizabeth Reading; Miss Carol Ann Reid; Miss Alexa Rodriguez; Mr. & Mrs. Michael Rudy with children Jonathan and Susann; Krisdee Schmale; Mr. & Mrs. Keith Shaw. COMMUNION (CA): Chris & Shelly Bellew; Mike & Debbie Ogorek EDGEMOOR (SC): Jamie, Virginia, and Chip Bowman; Ryan Lee. FAITH (Merritt Island FL): Caleb Lemons; Jack Poole. GOOD NEWS (MD): John Flowers; Joshua & Christian Howard; Alyssa Pedersen; Rusty, Laura, and Jonathan Shipe. HEPHZIBAH (NC): Brad Chapman; Tag & Lisa Sigmon; Johnny Weaver. LOUISVILLE Lovett.

(GA):

Elizabeth

Polhill

NEW ALBANY (MS): Andy, Kelli and Luiza Coburn. PISGAH (NC): Barbara Duncan; David & Marjorie Spencer; Michael Spencer. ROWAN (SC): Donna Ward.

TRINITY (FL): Agnes Reddy. WILDHURST (VA): Michael Davis Burgette.

Special Services COVENANT (Statesville NC): Sept. 14 was Homecoming Sunday. Jeff & Suzanne Allers, missionaries to Germany, spoke during the Sunday school hour, and there was a covered dish luncheon at noon. HEPHZIBAH (NC): The Service of Welcome and Reception for the Hephzibah Church in to First Presbytery was held Sept. 14. The Commission from First Presbytery included: ruling elders Tom Patterson, Kelvin Monteith, and Olen Persons, Rev. Gilbert Rowell, Rev. Rick Lewis, Rev. Mike Basie, Rev. Mike Lineberger, Rev. Mark Tankersley, Rev. Barry Eller, and Rev. James Hunt. PEACHTREE CORNERS (GA): The 17th annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service was held Sept. 7 during the morning worship service. Once again, they had a bagpiper and drummer, members of the 78th Fraser Regiment of Foot, and a processional and recessional of the Scottish flag and tartan banners by church members. TIRZAH (SC): Homecoming service was held Aug. 17, with special services through Aug. 20; guest minister was Rev. Jan Senneker. UNITY (Lancaster SC): Sept. 7 was Homecoming Sunday, and the new fellowship hall was also dedicated. Dr. Guy Smith, retired pastor, and Rev. Charles Hammond, current pastor, each had part in the morning worship service, which was followed by a covered dish lunch.

Installations COLUMBIA FIRST (SC): Scott E. Hultstrand, Barbara S. Hurt, David E. Baxley, Mark R. Cheslak, Kevin L. Corrigan, Jon Dando, D. Joshua Elliott, Craig E. Hess, O. Wayne Jones, Jeffrey C. Kull, John L. Parrish II, Robert S. Paschal III, Mary Dana Reading, J. Paul Riddle, Ronald H. Smith, Peggy J. Stands, Otto Wemmer, and Richard Werts were installed as deacons. Charles H. Cate Sr., Russel R. Dunbar, James W. Fant Jr., S. LeGrand Harvin, Richard S. McCain, William G. McMaster, William H. Neely, Gordon S. Query, O. Stanley Smith III, and Thomas E. Stonecypher were installed as ruling elders.

SEBRING (FL): Susan Patarini. 29

Graduations BALLSTON CENTER (NY): Ensign Glen A. Premo graduated with honors from Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. EDGEMOOR (SC): David Cox III graduated from high school with honors in June. NEW COVENANT (Charlotte NC): Rev. Jeffrey J. Richards has passed his exams and successfully defended his dissertation at Philipps-University Marburg (Germany) and will receive his Divinity of Theology Degree in October 2008. PISGAH (NC): Chris Dula graduated from the Gardner-Webb School of Nursing on Aug. 2.

Catechism Recitals BARTOW (FL): Micah Patrick has recited the First Catechism.

Women’s Ministries AVON PARK (FL): Hosted the annual meeting of Florida Women’s Ministries on Aug. 23. Officers are: Maxine Johnson, historian; Connie Crews, treasurer; Cheryl Sanders, secretary. BETHEL (AL): hosted the meeting of the Tennessee-Alabama Presbyterial on Aug. 15. DEVENGER RD. (SC): The women invited all women in Second Presbytery to join them for the Second Presbytery Women’s Ministries Conference on Sept. 20. The featured speaker was Leslie Nease, a contestant on the 2007 “Survivor China” TV show. FAYETTEVILLE (TN): Several members are newly elected officers of the TennesseeAlabama Presbyterial: Cathy Pitts, president; Sherry Bartlett, secretary; Gene Templeton, vice-president; Roberta Kidd, historian.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS HAVE YOU CONSIDERED a bequest in your will or trust for the ARP Foundation, Inc.? Call William Deaton, (704)376-7051, for a free brochure on wills.

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Look familiar?

JOHNSON CREEK (VA): Virginia Presbyterial Women’s Ministries held their annual meeting here on Sept. 13 with Elizabeth Burns, the WM administrator, as the main speaker.

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NEW ALBANY (MS): The Women’s Retreat was held on Saturday, Aug. 23.G

WHERE DOES THE ARP MAGAZINE GET NEWS ABOUT CHURCHES & WHY ISN’T MINE LISTED? The ARP Magazine receives bulletins, newsletters, e-mails, phone calls and faxes from churches all over our denomination.If we haven’t printed any news from your church, we may not be receiving it. Check with your pastor to see if anyone is in charge of sending news to us. If not, think about serving 30

7��������������������������������������������������� For convenience, individual subscribers will find the familiar bright yellow envelope tucked inside your magazine when it’s time to renew. Don’t delay.

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THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN

Which Way? Have any of you been on a trip? .

Two of the important things you need on a trip are a

and a

If you are going on a trip, you need to know where you are going and how to go to get there.

The

will show you where you want to go, and the

will point you in the right direction. The

shows you whether you are going north, south, east, or west. When you are trying to find your way through the journey of life, you need help to find the Each day you face many difficult decisions and it is sometimes hard to know which

to go too. to turn.

Some people use their feelings to make decisions, but feelings may change from day to day. Some people make choices by what is popular, but just because everyone else is doing it does not mean that it is the right thing to do. There is only one way to know if we are going the right

in life and that is to follow Jesus. Jesus is the

. If we follow him, we know we are on the right path and headed in the right direction.

Puzzle Match the number to fill in the blanks.

EXCEPT 6

WAY 1

JOHN 9

FATHER 5

THROUGH 7

LIFE 3

ME 8

TRUTH 2

COMES 4

Jesus said, “I am the ____________________, the ____________________, and the 1 2 ____________________. No one ____________________ to the ____________________ 3 4 5 __________________ 6

__________________ 7

____________________.” 8 ____________________ 14:6 9 By Miranda Marsh, Director of Children’s Ministries • Greenville ARP Church, Greenville, SC NOVEMBER 2008

31

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Dr. Terry Johnson

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Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary

Independent Presbyterian Church Savannah, Georgia February 5 - 7, 2009

WP

here are the salms?

with

“The State of Congregational Psalm Singing after Fifty Years of Worship Renewal”

John Witvliet, Director of the Institute of Worship at Calvin College Hal Hopson, Nationally respected church music composer and clinician Terry Johnson, Independent Presbyterian Church Robert Glick, Erskine College and Theological Seminary Robby Bell, Erskine College and Theological Seminary Mark E. Ross, Institute of Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary Erskine College and Seminary, Due West, SC February 26 - 27, 2009 Information on speakers, sessions, and itinerary is available at www.erskine. edu/seminary. For registration and other information on the Savannah conference contact Crystal Tolbert by email at [email protected] or (803) 771-6180. For more information on the Psalms conference contact Shanon Jackson at [email protected] or (864) 379 - 8885. 32

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN